This Alice Springs Chicken is a savory combination of juicy chicken breasts, caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese.
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The ingredients you will need to make this chicken recipe.
- chicken breasts
- salt
- black pepper
- olive oil
- onion, thinly sliced
- mushrooms, sliced
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Crumbled bacon (optional)
For the marinade:
- Dijon mustard
- honey
- mayonnaise
- fresh lemon juice
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How to make this Alice Springs Chicken, step by step with photos
Mix the ingredients of the marinade together, add the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for 1 hour or more.
In a large oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside momentarily.
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 5-6 minutes, or until they become soft and caramelized, releasing their delicious flavors. Set aside.
In the same skillet add the onion and cook until they are caramelized. Set aside
Once the onions and mushrooms are cooked, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, add the onions and mushrooms on top.
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them generously with the ooey-gooey goodness.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the dish with fresh parsley.
Tips
For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and searing them. This helps to ensure that they cook evenly throughout without drying out.
When searing the chicken breasts, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Leaving enough space between the chicken pieces allows them to develop a golden crust rather than steam.
Take your time when caramelizing the onions. Cooking them low and slow allows their natural sugars to develop, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Regardless of the method you choose, always ensure that the chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breast
Storage
Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
Reheating on the Stove: Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken on the stove. Place the chicken in a skillet and add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from sticking. Cover the skillet and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through.
While you can freeze leftover smothered chicken, keep in mind that the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation
For a smoky BBQ flavor, brush the chicken breasts with your favorite BBQ sauce before adding the onions, mushrooms, and cheese. Bake as directed and garnish with chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits before serving
Serve with
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the savory flavors of the smothered chicken. Serve them plain or with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of chives for added flavor.
Lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots are a healthy and colorful addition to your meal. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, or toss them with a bit of garlic butter for extra flavor.
Tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to your meal and balances out the richness of the smothered chicken. You can make your own coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, or pick up a ready-made version from the store.
A crisp garden salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing is a light and refreshing side dish that balances out the richness of the smothered chicken. Customize your salad with your favorite toppings and dressings for a personalized touch.
Alice Springs Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup button mushrooms sliced
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the marinade:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon for garnish optional
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients of the marinade together, add the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for 1 hour or more.
- In a large oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside momentarily.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 5-6 minutes, or until they become soft and caramelized, releasing their delicious flavors. Set aside.
- In the same skillet add the onion and cook until they are caramelized. Set aside
- Once the onions and mushrooms are cooked, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, add the onions and mushrooms on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them generously with the ooey-gooey goodness.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the dish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Serve with
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the savory flavors of the smothered chicken. Serve them plain or with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of chives for added flavor. Lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots are a healthy and colorful addition to your meal. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, or toss them with a bit of garlic butter for extra flavor. Tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to your meal and balances out the richness of the smothered chicken. You can make your own coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, or pick up a ready-made version from the store. A crisp garden salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing is a light and refreshing side dish that balances out the richness of the smothered chicken. Customize your salad with your favorite toppings and dressings for a personalized touch.Nutrition
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking it with the cheese, onions, and mushrooms, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day in advance. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning in this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less seasoned salt, black pepper, or even experiment with different herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or thyme for added flavor.
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